Month Before Spring by Gail Maifeld

T’was a month before springGround covered with snowCardinal and Chickadees to feeders must goAnd Voles munch under the snow.My eyes had grown dullReruns and Netflix has lost any glowWhen my eyes fell to my watch2:45- time to get up and go.With deliberate effort I bundled upTemperatures had fallen well below.Open the door, breath in, look upGently guiding my feet outward to my goal.Flip open the flap, insert a gloved handExtract a bundle and hear kerplopA bright glossy patch reflects in the snowLike a promise of something new to unfold.What to my inquiring eye should appear?Oh joy! A seed catalog!I drew the bold words near“Colorful Companions of nonstop Beauty” foretold.Energizing my step and lengthening my strideQuickly to the house I sped.While visions of Calibrachoa and petuniasDanced in my head.Hmmm – what color for pots? New bed?Lemon Sorbet or new zinnia seedsAll forecast for perfectionIf planted IPM!The teapot now empty ; the catalog spentMy gaze drifted outside to snow covered bedsWhile a little voice whispered Take Heart!Spring is ahead.